Learn what it takes to buy a starter home in Seattle and how that has changed over the years. First hear Seattle Mayor Ed Murray share what the people of Seattle can do to help improve their neighborhoods.

Then Rob Wasser (5:02), owner and designated broker of Prospera Real Estate and a member of the Northwest MLS board of directors, shares data on affordability in Seattle, as well as how the conversion of single-family homes to townhomes is affecting that affordability.

Brad Evered (25:41), a broker with Caliber Home Loans, discusses the changes in lending standards over his 20 years in the business, and translates the current parameters to the levels of income, debt and savings necessary to buy a home in Seattle today.

The episode also features appearances by Seattle homeowners and house hunters Kathy Kelley, Leslie Basel, Loren West and Dan Morgan.